Garba Tulla, Isiolo County| In a deeply symbolic gesture that has sent ripples across Isiolo County’s political landscape, the revered father of modern Isiolo politics, Dr. Mohamed Abdi Kuti– widely and affectionately known as Yoyah– has delivered a resounding public endorsement of incumbent Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan(Guyo)’s bid for a second term.
The moment, steeped in wisdom, mutual respect, and forward-looking statesmanship, reaffirms the enduring bond between two leaders who have collectively shaped the county’s trajectory over the past decade.
The endorsement unfolded during an intimate yet politically charged family reunion in Garbatulla, where hundreds gathered under the familiar acacia shade that has hosted countless pivotal conversations in Cushitic political tradition.
Speaking with his trademark measured cadence and mastery of parables, the former governor chose metaphor over direct proclamation, yet left no doubt about his position.
“Hold with a tight grip the leadership in your possession,” Yoyah advised the attentive crowd, a phrase instantly recognized as a clarion call to protect and extend the tenure of the current administration led by Governor Guyo.
For those who have followed Isiolo’s political journey, the weight of these words is profound. Dr. Kuti, who governed the county from 2017 to 2022 and steered it through devolution’s turbulent early years, voluntarily stepped away from elective politics in 2022, handing the mantle to his then-protégé, Guyo. Many at the time feared the move would create a leadership vacuum.
Instead, Yoyah now reveals that his withdrawal was never an abandonment but a calculated act of trust in a successor he had personally mentored and rigorously prepared for the highest office.
“I observed, I guided, and I only gave the people a man who deserved it,” the former governor declared, framing his legacy not as one of clinging to power but of deliberate institution-building and succession planning.
In an era where political transitions in Kenyan counties are often marred by acrimony and betrayal, Yoyah’s public affirmation stands as a rare masterclass in graceful handover and continuity of vision.
Governor Guyo has built his first term on an ambitious agenda of infrastructure expansion, water security, peace-building across ethnic and clan lines, and economic empowerment- initiatives that echo and extend the foundational work begun under Dr. Kuti’s administration.
Roads that were once impassable during rainy seasons now carry heavy trucks laden with livestock to markets. Solar-powered boreholes have reached remote manyattas that went decades without reliable water.
Conflict resolution mechanisms strengthened under Guyo have significantly reduced cattle rustling incidents, fostering an environment where development can take root.
Yoyah’s backing arrives at a crucial juncture. With elections still months away, aspirants eyeing the governorship have already begun aggressive campaigns, some attempting to drive wedges between the county’s two most prominent recent leaders.
The Garbatulla declaration effectively neutralizes such strategies, presenting a united front that combines Yoyah’s elder-statesman gravitas with Guyo’s energetic, results-driven governance style.
Political analysts describe the endorsement as a game-changer. “This is not just symbolism; it is strategic consolidation,” notes veteran Isiolo commentator Hassan Molu.
“Yoyah still commands unmatched respect across generational and clan divides. When he speaks, elders listen, women listen, youth listen. His blessing transforms Governor Guyo’s re-election bid from a contest into a near-continuity referendum.”
For Governor Guyo, the public embrace from his predecessor validates three years of diligent stewardship while offering a powerful shield against detractors.
For Dr. Kuti, it cements his reputation as a rare Kenyan politician who prioritizes legacy and stability over perpetual personal ambition.
And for the people of Isiolo, it presents a compelling narrative: that capable leadership, once identified and nurtured, deserves the opportunity to complete its work.
As the county heads toward another election cycle, one message rings clearer than ever from the plains of Garbatulla: under the stewardship first of Yoyah and now of Guyo, Isiolo has found a rhythm of progress worth preserving.
In the delicate dance of power and succession, the elder has spoken- and the people appear ready to heed his counsel.
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